HL Deb 25 July 1996 vol 574 cc1526-8

11.31 a.m.

Lord Hylton asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether they have responded to the Donnison Report on long-term unemployment in Northern Ireland, published in June 1996 by the Northern Ireland Council for Voluntary Action; if so in what terms; and if not, when they expect to do so.

The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Northern Ireland Office (Baroness Denton of Wakefield)

My Lords, the Government welcome Professor Donnison's report as an important and interesting contribution to the ongoing debate on long-term unemployment in Northern Ireland. The relevant recommendations will be addressed as part of the Training and Employment Agency review of policy towards the long-term unemployed. That review will be the subject of widespread consultation in the autumn. It would be inappropriate to respond further at this stage.

Lord Hylton

My Lords, I welcome what the Minister has just said about the Training and Employment Agency. Does the Minister agree that the consultation that she mentioned should include other government departments and the voluntary sector? Would the Minister further agree that the existence of a large pool of long-term unemployed people has serious implications for recruitment into paramilitary organisations, for street violence and, indeed, for fair employment?

Baroness Denton of Wakefield

My Lords, I am pleased to be able to reassure the noble Lord, Lord Hylton, that there is already a format for consultation between officials of all departments; it is not something which is just for the economic department. As the noble Lord knows, voluntary organisations come under the Department of Health and Social Services and are very closely involved in the discussions.

I would not like to impute that the long-term unemployed are part of the paramilitary organisations. However, I would suggest that the best possible cement for peace in any circumstances is the provision of jobs. I can confirm that the Government continue their efforts to attract new jobs to Northern Ireland because stability of the workforce in the Province means that we must attract new jobs so as to take the final small hurdle as regards equality of employment in the Province.

Lord Williams of Mostyn

My Lords, does the Minister agree that the real key here is long-term investment which, in turn, depends on long-term stability? Does she also agree that the disgraceful scenes recently in Drumcree have been a hindrance to a policy which has, by and large, been successful? Further, as this is the last occasion when I shall be asking her a question, is the Minister aware that she has the continued support of all sides of the House as regards the extremely successful way in which she has attracted inward investment into Northern Ireland?

Baroness Denton of Wakefield

My Lords, as so often, I wholeheartedly agree with the noble Lord, Lord Williams. The hesitation in confidence in the economy of Northern Ireland created by the senseless violence that we saw in the past few weeks is to be much regretted. It is to be hoped that we can build and reassure. I am pleased that inward investors have taken the attitude of, "Let's wait and see", rather than walk away. We are grateful for that fact. I also take pleasure in thanking the noble Lord and, indeed, your Lordships for the confidence and support expressed by the House regarding the many troubles that the Province still has and the Government's determination to resolve those problems. I hope that the noble Lord's comment that this is the last question he may ask of me does not indicate that he knows something about my future of which I am unaware.

Lord McNally

My Lords, will the Minister agree to read the Hansard report of last night's debate on Manchester? The point was then made that the United Kingdom freely donates or contributes billions each year towards jobs, employment and stability in Northern Ireland. That is a magnificent act of commitment by the United Kingdom as a whole, but one which needs to be realised by both communities in response.

The Minister said that the provision of jobs is the key to peace. Both communities—and, in view of recent events, the Unionist community in particular, given the billions that it receives—should realise that peace is the key to jobs. Indeed, should they not be given a very strong message about the nature of the commitment of the United Kingdom and about the response that we expect from them?

Baroness Denton of Wakefield

My Lords, I should point out to the noble Lord, Lord McNally, that Northern Ireland is part of the United Kingdom. The Government's commitment towards working to see through the troubles in the Province is absolute; indeed, that is recognised by the people in Northern Ireland. We are fully cognisant of the fact that the friendship that we have also seen from other parts—for example, from Europe and North America—has made a difference to our ability to build a successful future. We continue to work towards that aim. I hope that the resolution that came out of the talks last night will play a part in helping that process move forward.